Showing results by author "Charles M. Sheldon" in All Categories

One hundred years ago Christians read Charles Sheldon's In His Steps with runaway enthusiasm. Sheldon's story traces the account of the fictional Reverend Maxwell who challenges himself and his congregation to constantly ask, "What would Jesus do?" This question puts all of life's circumstances in a new light. Those characters in Sheldon's book who take the challenge of this question seriously live dramatically changed lives.

Charles M. Sheldon, through the words of protagonist Rev. Henry Maxwell, encourages Christians to question every choice, every thought, and every motive against what they believe Jesus would do in the same situation. This creates an environment of not only self-reflection and internal conviction, but also brings into question the influence and effectiveness of the church and its leadership. Uprooting comfortable and stale Christianity, Sheldon promotes drastic spiritual growth, which is shown in this story to impact the individual as well as the community as a whole.

Over 100 years ago, Reverend Charles Sheldon stepped up to the pulpit to deliver a sermon to his little flock of Congregationalists. Little did he know that his humble parable would evolve into a novel that would be published in 45 languages and affect the lives of at least 15 million people. A desperate, unemployed printer, looking for help in the mythical town of Raymond, is ignored until he’s on the verge of dying. His last words, as he collapses in front of a church congregation, point out the difference between believing in Christianity and actually living it.

An all-time best seller, this timeless classic, written at the turn of the century, has blessed millions of people who have asked the vital question, "What does it really mean to be a Christian?" As a young minister, and before becoming editor of the Christian Herald, Sheldon disguised himself as an unemployed printer and tramped the city streets with others in that same plight. He was shocked by the indifference of the Christian community. From that experience he wrote this novel.

What if, suddenly, Jesus appeared on the streets of your city? That's the scenario of Jesus Is Here, Charles M. Sheldon's sequel to his classic novel In His Steps, the book that introduced the world to WWJW: "What would Jesus do?"

In His Steps is a popular work of religious fiction by Charles Monroe Sheldon which was first published in 1896, and has sold more than 50 million copies to date. This inspirational novel popularized the expression, “What Would Jesus Do?” The story begins with four small-town characters who resolve to undertake no action without first considering Christ's example. By their example, their lives, their congregation, and their community are transformed.  

In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do? has sold more than 30 million copies, and ranks as the 39th best-selling book of all time. The main character is the Rev. Henry Maxwell, pastor of the First Church of Raymond, who challenges his congregation to not do anything for a whole year without first asking: “What would Jesus do?”

Since 1896, over 15 million readers have been intrigued by this extraordinary story. The appearance of a mysterious stranger and his impassioned pleas for the poor and downtrodden leaves a small town deeply shaken. The town's congregation decides to follow in the footsteps of Jesus regardless of the consequences. This story has inspired generations of believers, and echoes today, as young Christians ask, "What would Jesus do?" and try to follow in his footsteps.

What would Jesus do? When several members of an ordinary American church are challenged to not take a single action without fist asking that crucial question, they discover the power of God to transform their own lives—and their world. Charles M. Sheldon’s provocative novel, originally published in 1896 and enthusiastically rediscovered by today’s believers, testifies dramatically to the value of Christian witness in all of life.

"Well, John," said the ministers wife, coming suddenly into the study a few minutes after the postman had left the parsonage, "What does William write? I saw his letter. Please read it to me." The Miracle at Markham was written during the summer of 1808, and read the following fall and winter by the author to his Sunday evening congregation in the Central Church, Topeka, Kansas. It was then published as a serial in The Ram's Horn, Chicago. The facts as to church crowding, at least in small towns in the middle west of this country, are too evident to require any argument.